September 21-27

Visitors of all ages will have the opportunity to put their creativity and problem solving to use at the Engineering Design activities offered throughout the summer. Learn more about flight, aircraft design, and aerodynamic principles.

A variety of activities will be offered each day such as build and fly challenge activities, flight science demonstrations and the chance to sit in the cockpit of an aircraft. The Museum's Flight Sim Spot will be open each of these days between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. The Flight Sim Spot allows visitors to use state-of-the-art simulators using real cockpit controls.

Programs are planned to be held from June 30 through August 22. Check with Museum for any updates or changes to program details and schedule. Unless otherwise noted all programs are free with Museum admission. Programs and times are subject to change without notice.

June 30 to July 6

Build and Race an Air Trolley

In small groups, design and build a trolley that will race down a nylon line using a propeller and rubber band as fast as possible. A specific number of turns will be allowed in the rubber band for a trolley race. Two trolleys will race each other on two parallel tracks to determine which is the faster. Winners will compete against each other until there is a winner for each half hour block.

July 7 to 13

Build and Race an Balloon Rockets

Design a rocket balloon that will move faster than the other competing rocket balloons.

July 14 to 16

Zip Line Challenge

Given certain materials, design and build something that can carry a Ping-Pong ball the fastest from the top of a zip line string to the bottom.

July 17 to 20

Straw Rocket Competition

Design a rocket built around a straw that will fly to a specified target using a compressed air launcher.

July 21 to 22

"Imagine Our Future Beyond Earth" LEGO Competition

The New England Air Museum will provide the LEGO bricks that entrants need to participate. Prizes will be awarded by the Museum for the age groups: 3-5, 6-8, 9-12. Start your research today on the many missions NASA has planned to explore our universe beyond planet Earth and imagine the aircraft and vehicles that will be needed to accomplish these exciting goals. If you can imagine it, it is possible!

July 23 to 27

Parachute Drop

Design a parachute that will take the longest to drop to the ground with a given weight.

July 28 to 30

Rotochute

Build a rotochute that will drop to the ground the slowest given a specific drop zone. Teams compete against each other until a winner is determined for each half hour slot.

July 31 to August 3

Egg Drop

Design, build, and test a contraption that will protect an egg from breaking when dropped from a height of 20 feet.

August 4 to August 8

Bottle Rockets

Build a rocket onto an inverted water bottle using materials available. Design the rocket carrying half a cup of water to launch as high as possible given 60 psi of compressed air.

August 9 to 10

Helicopter 2050 LEGO Challenge

Create a helicopter of 2050 that helps overcome today’s global challenges! The New England Air Museum will provide the LEGO bricks that entrants need to participate. Prizes will be awarded by the Museum for the age groups: 3-5, 6-8, 9-12.

August 11 to 13

Blimp Maze

Create a helicopter of 2050 that helps overcome today’s global challenges! The New England Air Museum will provide the LEGO bricks that entrants need to participate. Prizes will be awarded by the Museum for the age groups: 3-5, 6-8, 9-12.

August 14 to 17

Hot Air Balloon Race

Design and build a balloon that will lift with hot air and race it to the ceiling.

August 18 to 22

Straw Gliders

Design a glider built around a straw that will glide the longest distance possible in a straight line.